Swakopmund is Namibia's coastal playground, a small town of German colonial buildings and palm-lined streets between the Atlantic Ocean and the Namib Desert. The cool sea air is a relief after the heat of the interior, and the town has good restaurants, galleries, bakeries and a relaxed feel.
It is also an adventure capital. You can sandboard down the dunes, ride quad bikes, skydive, take a scenic flight over the desert, or cruise from Walvis Bay to see dolphins, seals and flamingos. The Living Desert tour shows the tiny creatures that survive in the dunes, and Cape Cross, Sandwich Harbour and the Moon Landscape are all within reach.
The coast near Swakopmund is a haven for birds and marine life. Walvis Bay lagoon has thousands of flamingos and pelicans, and boat trips find Heaviside’s dolphins, Cape fur seals and sometimes whales. The Living Desert tour finds chameleons, sidewinder snakes, geckos and beetles in the dunes.
Look out for
Activities here
Swakopmund is cool and often foggy, with daytime temperatures of 18°C to 24°C all year. It rarely rains, but the sea fog can linger until midday.
| Month | Day °C | Night °C | Rain mm |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 20 | 14 | 0 |
| Feb | 20 | 15 | 1 |
| Mar | 21 | 15 | 2 |
| Apr | 22 | 13 | 1 |
| May | 22 | 12 | 1 |
| Jun | 21 | 11 | 1 |
| Jul | 20 | 10 | 1 |
| Aug | 19 | 10 | 1 |
| Sep | 19 | 11 | 0 |
| Oct | 19 | 12 | 0 |
| Nov | 19 | 13 | 0 |
| Dec | 20 | 14 | 0 |
Approximate long-term averages. Higher ground is cooler, and forests can rain in any month.
Swakopmund is dry all year, with clear afternoons and cold mornings. Inland, the desert is much hotter, so layers are essential.
Rain is very rare. The coast is mostly cool, grey and breezy in winter.
Swakopmund is a year-round destination. The summer months of December to March are warmest and busy with local holidays, while the winter months are quiet.
Best time to visit Jan to Mar
Swakopmund is about 360 kilometres west of Windhoek, a drive of around four hours on a good road. Walvis Bay Airport, 35 kilometres south, has flights from Windhoek and Johannesburg. It is the usual stop between Sossusvlei and Damaraland.
Visitors from many countries, including the UK and US, need a Namibian visa, which can be applied for online or on arrival (about N$1,600 at the time of writing). Please check the rules for your passport.
Swakopmund is cool and has no malaria. Wear layers, because the sea breeze can be cold even in summer. Adventure activities carry some risk, so follow the guides’ instructions.
Scenic AreaSossusvlei and the NamibThe world's tallest red dunes
National ParkEtosha National ParkWaterholes that draw everything in
RegionDamaralandDesert elephants and ancient rock art
National ParkSkeleton CoastFog, shipwrecks and roaring seal colonies
City & TownWindhoekNamibia's small, friendly capitalSafaris from
US$2,726 per person
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